Roanoke area folks: do we sound right for Roanoke?

[headnsouth]

Check with lenders for first-time homebuyer programs. My credit union works with FHA, USDA, VHDA, VA and the FHLB-Atlanta as far as federal programs, plus they have their own down payment assistance and portfolio loan programs. Not sure how applicable those would be if your only income is a freelance/consultant type and you're relocating, but programs are certainly available.

I did the same thing you're planning to do, narrowed down neighborhoods before moving here, then renting for 2 years before buying a place a few blocks from the rental. Very happy with my choice. I can't help you with neighborhoods though as I was looking for urban/walkable whereas you're looking for acreage/privacy. Plenty of that around here though, Roanoke goes straight from urban to rural with very little boring suburb in between.

Y'all sound interesting. Roanoke is an interesting place and it gets more interesting as more interesting people move here. Post again when you have some travel plans, there's bound to be plenty going on when you're in town.

[j1n]

There is a NA presence here in Roanoke, although sadly you mostly find it during the Local Colors Festival. But this area sounds like a decent "fit" for you folks. Asheville is waaaay overpriced, in my opinion. And just to correct you a little... Syracuse is actually cheaper in the housing department than Roanoke... by quite a bit. I think you might like the area where NE Roanoke County borders on Botetourt County. Very quiet and peaceful "country" out there but still very close in to shopping, etc. 24019 area code and environs.

[DrTesla35]

Originally Posted by CWYmama

We are an American Indian family with two young children: 3 and 1. I work from home so as long as I have high speed internet the local job market is not critical (though always a plus to have options in this economy ). We pretty much keep to ourselves and are live and let live kind of folks, but mostly because of our kids we are trying to get a feel for how our family will mesh with the other families in the area.

I've done much research and have narrowed down to a few potential matches: Roanoke area (within 1 hr), Asheville area (definitely not in Asheville, but within an hour); and Pike or Wayne Counties, northeast PA. I have eliminated Ithaca and Syracuse area mostly due to high cost of rent (we will rent a house 1-2 years before we buy @ $100-140K range). Also have eliminated Pittsburg, PA, Cleveland & Cincinnati, Fayettesville (ATL), and Tri-cities.

My husband looks Samoan (is in fact a Long Island (NY) Indian), lots of tattoos and long hair (but is a 100% sober stay at home dad), leans libertarian politically, loves to hunt and be outdoors, and is a meat and gun enthusiast who gets along well with most people. He's lived in Brooklyn, Long Island, Orlando, and now Kentucky (my family is in the Cincinnati, OH & Maysville, KY area and we've been here now a year). He has a lot in common with the "redneck" element (minus certain views on race and religion) and gets on well with them. Ideally he would like to be able to have some chickens in the backyard.

I grew up in Northern Cali and have lived in LA, Orange County, Manhattan (Harlem), Suffolk County, Long Island, and now Maysville, KY. I am mixed and look white; despite having lived in a range of socio-economic circumstances I am well educated and come from an upper-middle class background. I lean liberal on most social issues, though I'm more conservative fiscally. Although, I'm no fan of either major party and not trying to change anyone else's views. I love the outdoors and doing things with my kids. I grew up going to church but I'm not into the fundamentalist Christian thing (particularly not the judge-mentality that seems to accompany it) and if I were to go with my kids (hubby would not) it would probably be a non-denominational or similarly "accepting" family and community oriented type. Or I would just not go and teach my kids about religion at home.

Here's whats most important to us: forested land, mountains or hills, land (1 acre at minimum), low cost of living, privacy, outdoor recreation/parks, hispeed internet access, good to excellent public schools, and amenities of at least one "city" (can be smaller city) within 30-45 minutes, within 45 minutes of quality emergency medical care (specifically cardiology).

These would be pluses: Diversity of some degree (meaning international community more so than just the black/white binary), healthy community (less smoking, less obesity), acceptance of difference, a Native community of some sort within 4-5 hours, within an hour of at least one university, activities, museums, and destinations for kids within driving distance, range of "ethnic" dining options and good food in general within an hour (not into the fast food), and schools that are strong in the arts, math, science, technology, and extracurricular offerings as much as it is in sports. Or as much of any of those as we can get.

So, what do you think; is the Roanoke area a match for us?

You have an interesting list of target cities. I can't see most people considering a place like Cleveland, for example, or NE PA, if you are flexible on where you go.

Have you looked at Greenville South Carolina? It is about 45 minutes south of Asheville but housing is cheaper and the climate is better. It has an awesome downtown area. Greenville will have more diversity than Asheville or Roanoke, and more job opportunities. There is an area called Traveler's Rest right outside of Greenville which is more rural that you might like. I think South Carolina has quite a bit of Native American heritage. There are a lot of engineers in Greenville so schools are strong in science and math, and there is a wide variety of restaurants in Greenville.

I've been to Roanoke a few times and it seems like a nice town too but Greenville might be a better match overall to what you are looking for.

[CWYmama]

Originally Posted by headnsouth

Check with lenders for first-time homebuyer programs. My credit union works with FHA, USDA, VHDA, VA and the FHLB-Atlanta as far as federal programs, plus they have their own down payment assistance and portfolio loan programs. Not sure how applicable those would be if your only income is a freelance/consultant type and you're relocating, but programs are certainly available.

I did the same thing you're planning to do, narrowed down neighborhoods before moving here, then renting for 2 years before buying a place a few blocks from the rental. Very happy with my choice. I can't help you with neighborhoods though as I was looking for urban/walkable whereas you're looking for acreage/privacy. Plenty of that around here though, Roanoke goes straight from urban to rural with very little boring suburb in between.

Y'all sound interesting. Roanoke is an interesting place and it gets more interesting as more interesting people move here. Post again when you have some travel plans, there's bound to be plenty going on when you're in town.

Thanks, headnsouth! To me there is no higher compliment than being interesting I will post when we plan to head down and see if there are any suggestions at that time; hopefully in the fall.

[CWYmama]

Originally Posted by j1n

There is a NA presence here in Roanoke, although sadly you mostly find it during the Local Colors Festival. But this area sounds like a decent "fit" for you folks. Asheville is waaaay overpriced, in my opinion. And just to correct you a little... Syracuse is actually cheaper in the housing department than Roanoke... by quite a bit. I think you might like the area where NE Roanoke County borders on Botetourt County. Very quiet and peaceful "country" out there but still very close in to shopping, etc. 24019 area code and environs.

I will agree with you Syracuse in general is probably cheaper in the housing department. However, I am only looking specifically at houses in areas with good (preferably very good) school districts. Most city school districts, Syracuse included...Roanoke I think as well....the city school districts aren't great. Beyond that, I could find affordable houses to buy in good school districts in the Syracuse "area" (1 hr-ish) but there its RENTALS that are a problem. The rental market is primarily apartment/condo complexes, and the houses that are for rent in even "decent" school districts just aren't what I want to pay. I don't want to pay $3-400 more a month for rent on a house when I'm preparing to buy a home, and when there are other places I can get more on the rental and homebuyers market.

And, you are also spot on with Botetourt County, I think it could be just perfect for us.